Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) will keep a close watch on students involved in ragging on the campus in the new academic year.
The varsity will step up surveillance at hostels and classrooms as part of its anti-ragging campaign. Special squads will keep a close vigil on any act that comes under the anti-ragging provisions proposed by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
Moreover, students have to give an undertaking that they will not resort to ragging under any circumstances.
The heads of departments have been directed to act without delay if ragging incidents come to their notice. The grievance redress samiti on the campus should register complaints and forward them to the police for immediate follow-up action.
The authorities will give wide publicity to the anti-ragging helpline of the UGC, where students can register complaints in any language.
Posters and flex boards highlighting the message, ‘say no to ragging’, will be set up at various points on the main campus and at the Cochin University College of Engineering at Kuttanad.
Hostels for newcomers
The varsity has also decided to provide three hostels exclusively to newcomers. Besides improving accommodation facilities, the move is expected to bring down incidents of ragging, it is learnt. Special awareness sessions against ragging will be conducted on the campus.
Legal experts, police officers, faculty members, and students will attend the sessions.
Meanwhile, the varsity authorities said students could contact the 24x7 UGC anti-ragging helpline (1800-180-5522) or mail tohelpline@antiragging.inon any incident of ragging.
Students can also use the anti-ragging mobile app of the Ministry of Human Resource Development to register complaints. The app works on android system. The authorities will take follow-up action on such complaints without delay. The app can be downloaded from Google play store.
